Luke 2:1-35

Luke 2:1-35New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.”[a]24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”[b]

The Prophecy of Simeon

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,as you have promised.30 I have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared for all people.32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Psalm 59

Psalm 59New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 59

For the choir director: A psalm[a] of David, regarding the time Saul sent soldiers to watch David’s house in order to kill him. To be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God.Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.2 Rescue me from these criminals;save me from these murderers.3 They have set an ambush for me.Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord,though I have not sinned or offended them.4 I have done nothing wrong,yet they prepare to attack me.Wake up! See what is happening and help me!5 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,wake up and punish those hostile nations.Show no mercy to wicked traitors. Interlude

6 They come out at night,snarling like vicious dogsas they prowl the streets.7 Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths;their words cut like swords.“After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.8 But Lord, you laugh at them.You scoff at all the hostile nations.9 You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,for you, O God, are my fortress.10 In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.

11 Don’t kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons;stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees,O Lord our shield.12 Because of the sinful things they say,because of the evil that is on their lips,let them be captured by their pride,their curses, and their lies.13 Destroy them in your anger!Wipe them out completely!Then the whole world will knowthat God reigns in Israel.[b]Interlude

14 My enemies come out at night,snarling like vicious dogsas they prowl the streets.15 They scavenge for foodbut go to sleep unsatisfied.[c]

16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.For you have been my refuge,a place of safety when I am in distress.17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,for you, O God, are my refuge,the God who shows me unfailing love.

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